Finding a voice: Results of a youth participatory action research survey

Participatory action research [PAR] combines systematic research with the development of a practical intervention. PAR methodology draws on the knowledge of the user population to identify problems, to tailor treatments, and to disseminate the results, in combination with professional guidance and project oversight. This exploratory study was designed to gain an understanding of the expectations of the various stakeholders in the system of care for children with mental health challenges: providers of services, researchers, evaluators, youth who had used services, administrators, policy-makers, family, and advocates. We conclude that stakeholders do have reasonable expectations of participatory action research as a process, and of the youth who could be empowered to bring about change in their system of care